52 Stunning and Adventurous Things to Do in Queensland

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Queensland is filled with surprises. It’s recognized for its abundance of nature, pristine seashores, tropical islands, and being the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef.

It’s a state we’ve resonated with as a vacation vacation spot and have visited many occasions over time, normally on brief journeys to the Gold Coast.

However after spending three months exploring the state on our 18 month street journey round Australia, and calling it dwelling for five months, we’ve come to understand what number of issues to do in Queensland there actually are.

When you’re planning a visit to Queensland however you’re undecided what Queensland sights so as to add to your record, then learn on to see 52 of our favorite issues to do and actions.

Issues to Do in Queensland

It’s not simply tropical islands, lovely seashores, and theme parks. Queensland has a ton of historical past, superb wildlife, heat and pleasant locals, and nature that can not be overwhelmed.

And Outback Queensland and the Southern Queensland Nation is an entire new expertise!

So, let’s go along with this record of issues to do in Queensland!

1. Discover the Boodjamulla Nationwide Park, Savannah Method

We name it “Queensland’s best-kept secret”.

Boodjamalla Nationwide Park is an emerald inexperienced oasis in Outback Queensland that thrives with wildlife, native crops and fauna, and is the off-the-beaten-path expertise you crave.

In any other case often called Garden Hill, Boodjamalla’s draw is its sandstone cliffs, emerald inexperienced river, kayaking, climbing, and tenting.

2. Snorkel or Dive the Nice Barrier Reef

The Nice Barrier Reef is one in all Australia’s pure icons. Made up of 900 islands and a pair of,900 particular person coral reefs, it’s the most important dwelling construction on the planet, and whether or not you snorkel or dive you simply should expertise it for your self.

There are numerous choices for getting out on the Reef and from numerous areas alongside the Queensland coast, with Cairns being the primary gateway.

It’s one of many high locations to go to in Queensland, Australia for a purpose.

3. Take a Larc Tour of 1770

Spending the day exploring the City of 1770 in a vibrant pink LARC – an amphibious car designed to move items in time of conflict – is among the greatest day journeys we’ve achieved in Australia.

Tour proprietor Neil is as passionate as they arrive, and the day was filled with journey, historical past, surroundings, and laughs! Learn extra in our evaluate of the LARC tour in Seventeen Seventy.

4. Uncover the Undara Lava Tubes, Savannah Method

Probably the most attention-grabbing locations we explored in Outback Queensland was Undara, dwelling to 164 volcanoes, cones, and vents. Who knew Australia had such a volcanic historical past?

It was fascinating for us and enjoyable for our children! Sleep in a prepare carriage, have breakfast within the bush, take a wildlife sundown tour and do the half-day Archway Explorer Lava Tubes tour!

5. Daydream on Daydream Island, Whitsundays

We solely had one evening on Daydream Island and wished it was extra. The island is the gateway to the tropical paradise of Queensland.

There’s sufficient mixture of rest and actions for all of us and also you’re in The Whitsundays!! Essentially the most lovely a part of Queensland.

A spotlight was Kalyra succeeding for the primary time at SUP – Stand Up Paddle Boarding!

When you’ve got extra time, you can even discover the close by Hamilton Island which additionally presents rest and serenity while being surrounded by lush tropical waters.

6. Go to Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park, Gold Coast

Burleigh Heads is our favorite place on the Gold Coast and we had been lucky to name Burleigh dwelling as soon as. It’s dwelling to among the finest brief coastal walks in Australia, which is thru the Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park.

Stand up early and catch the magnificent dawn while watching the surfers on the level. Then proceed across the headland and you’ll come across one other Gold Coast favorite, Tallebudgera Creek.

7. Drive the Waterfall Method, Atherton

Drive for about an hour southeast of Cairns and also you’ll arrive within the Atherton Tablelands area. Right here you may go mountain biking, espresso tasting, and sizzling air ballooning, amongst different issues.

However my favorite factor to do in Queensland was driving the 15km Waterfall Method Circuit that embraces a few of the greatest waterfalls within the area.

8. Chill out at Airlie Seaside

Airlie Seaside is a enjoyable city. We spent per week there and used it as a gateway to The Whitsunday Islands – suppose Whitehaven Seaside – however there’s sufficient occurring on the town that makes Airlie a enjoyable vacation vacation spot inside itself.

For the adults, there are countless bars, cafes, and eating places, and our children beloved the man-made lagoon!

9. Go to Girl Musgrave Island, Nice Barrier Reef

On the day we visited Girl Musgrave Island, it was a tough 90-minute boat journey out from the City of 1770 because of the swell, however the vacation spot was magnificent and definitely worth the bumpy journey.

This island is a coral cay and the second island within the Nice Barrier Reef chain of islands after Girl Elliot Island.

You’ll be able to even camp right here, with no energy or water provide, and the close by snorkelling within the lagoon is sensible.

10. Trip the Skyrail Rainforest to Kuranda

The city of Kuranda is a well-liked place to go to close to Cairns and one of the simplest ways to get there’s through the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Glide for 7.5 kilometres excessive of the pristine rainforest with superior coastal views thrown in. When you’re courageous, soar within the open-air Cover Glider (harnessed in) for uninterrupted and breathtaking views.

11. Chill out on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

When you go up the mountain to Kuranda on the Skyrail, a calming solution to descend by way of the rainforest is on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway which passes waterfalls and deep ravines.

It’s a formidable engineering feat and also you move by way of 13 tunnels.

It’s undoubtedly probably the most thrilling issues to do in Queensland.

12. Meet the Characters at Movieworld, Gold Coast

Kalyra referred to as it the BEST. DAY. EVER…Bugs Bunny and the gang had come out on Major Avenue and Kalyra had danced Gangnam fashion with Sylvester and Tweety Fowl, obtained a hug from Sylvester, and took a selfie with Austin Powers.

Film World on the Gold Coast is for the film lovers in the home, however there are many thrill rides to go well with older kids and adults who will not be so occupied with assembly the characters.

13. Freak Your self Out on Skypoint Climb, Gold Coast

The SkyPoint Climb takes you to the highest of the Q1 constructing on the Gold Coast. And at 270 meters above the bottom is Australia’s tallest residential constructing.

To place that into perspective, this constructing is taller than the Chrysler constructing in New York Metropolis. 

I’ve a deep concern of heights however you’re protected and safe and the views over the Gold Coast are incredible!

14. Keep at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast

Take the street up by way of the sub-tropical rainforest to the UNESCO World Heritage Lamington Nationwide Park within the Gold Coast Hinterland and keep at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Up right here you’ve obtained waterfalls and lookouts for days, plus 160 km of graded strolling paths, a Tree Prime Boardwalk, a 180m flying fox, segway adventures, birds of prey present, rainforest retreats, and splendid Eco-Villas.

15. Marvel at Cobbold Gorge, Savannah Method

Shaped 135 million years in the past, sandstone cliffs tower on each side as a battery-powered boat glides you thru the majestic slender gorge (2m vast in locations) with 20 metre excessive cliffs.

Fed by a number of springs the gorge is stocked with quite a lot of native fish and Johnstone River Crocodiles. And if you keep at Cobbold Gorge Village you’ll swim in among the finest infinity swimming pools I’ve seen!

16. Meet J.R the Texas Longhorn, Charters Towers

Y’all thought the Longhorns had been in Texas, proper?

Effectively, due to Mick and Lynda of Leahton Park ranch in Charters Towers you may journey an previous chuck wagon and meet J.R, a long-horned steer who made the Guinness Ebook of Information for having the most important longhorns on the planet, measuring 2.82 metres tip to tip.

17. Slip into Maggie Island Time at Magnetic Island

Maggie Island time is my kinda time; it’s slow-paced and enjoyable.

Take the brief ferry throughout from Townsville, to Magnetic Island and you’ll slip into Maggie time too.

We spent per week right here having fun with beautiful sunsets, bush walks, snorkeling, fishing, cuddling koalas, and feeding the resident rock wallabies.

18. Get to Know Townsville

It’s no secret Townsville is dwelling to the “Cowboys” soccer group, however we had been pleasantly shocked by how a lot we loved this metropolis.

Stroll the Strand – a 2-kilometre-long beachfront playground – take a look at one of the best aquarium in Australia and expertise an enchanting Army Tour.

19. Discover Noosa Nationwide Park

It’s the Nationwide Park that retains us going again to Noosa.

We haven’t walked the entire park but, and we’re but to identify koalas right here who name it dwelling, however strolling the coastal monitor from the surf membership to Tea Tree Bay, and the part that begins at Sunshine Seaside the place we noticed a whale breaching is purpose sufficient to go to.

This nationwide park is among the most lovely in Queensland, so make sure you add it to your record.

20. Swim or Surf at Noosa Major Seaside

Noosa is a world-famous browsing vacation spot, and Major Seaside is a favorite spot for locals to surf the clear waves, and for novices to get a browsing lesson.

It’s one of many solely north-facing seashores on the east coast of Australia, and since it’s sheltered with mild waves it makes for a family-friendly seaside.

21. Chill out at Port Douglas

Tropical North Queensland needs to be probably the most enchanting areas in Australia, and Port Douglas is a incredible place to spend a couple of days exploring the native space.

You’ll be able to get pleasure from beautiful sundown views from the marina, eat good meals, social gathering, and store till you drop.

It’s an ideal base to move out to the reef from and discover extra of the encircling area.

22. Hit Up the Cairns Lagoon

Apart from being the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, Cairns is well-known for its man-made lagoon.

Crystal clear waters (no crocs in right here), seaside views, and lifeguards. It’s a cool place to laze round, learn your e-book, and meet different travellers.

There are few locations you may safely swim in Cairns so make sure you test it out when visiting this a part of Queensland.

23. Escape to Nice Keppel Island

There aren’t too many islands within the Nice Barrier Reef the place you may escape the crowds and keep in your individual seaside bungalow for an inexpensive value.

On Nice Keppel Island, a 30-minute ferry journey from Yeppoon, you may. 

Keppel seems like one thing you’d discover within the Caribbean – barefoot dwelling, 15 seashores to discover, snorkeling, kayaking, and killer sunsets.

24. See the Stars at The Cosmos Centre, Charleville

Fascinating place this – I walked away wanting to purchase my first ever telescope! I believe I discovered extra right here concerning the solar, the moon, the celebs, and outer area than I’ve in a lifetime.

The spotlight was within the night after we regarded on the stars by way of large telescopes within the outdoors observatory. The Moon is superb up shut!

25. Go Underground in Mount Isa

Mount Isa has the most important underground mine in Australia and is the world’s largest producer of copper.

What higher solution to recognize the extreme and harmful work miners do and get educated concerning the trade that has held up our economic system by way of the GFC, than on a mining tour led by native larrikin Steve.

26. Go to the Qantas Museum, Longreach

Longreach has been going by way of a extreme three-year drought, however Longreach is open for enterprise! And in case you didn’t know, Longreach was the place Qantas started again in 1920.

We’ve got been Qantas frequent flyers ceaselessly and it was a deal with to be taught extra about how this nice Australian firm was began right here within the Outback heartland.

27. Discover Winton, Outback Queensland

It’s solely a one-street city however Winton was the Outback nation city we’d been in search of.

The historical past of Banjo Patterson and the dinosaurs, old-world attraction, and sitting across the Tattersalls Lodge with city people open to conversations with strangers made this place particular.

Winton is one in all our favourite locations to go to in Queensland.

28. Have a Sporting Weekend in Brisbane

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is one of the best venue in Australia for watching Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Soccer.

I flew my mate up from Sydney to see a Wallabies and Broncos match, and flew my dad and brother-in-laws up from Sydney to observe NSW get belted within the third State of Origin recreation (that was enjoyable haha), however the environment makes all of it worthwhile.

Iconic Caxton Avenue is the place to be pre-game!

29. Take a Getaway to the Bunya Mountains

Queensland actually is filled with surprises. Bunya Mountain Nationwide Park is located between Kingaroy and Dalby, and is a spectacular wilderness vary overlooking the South Burnett area.

The Bunya Mountains are dwelling to the most important stand of historical bunya pines on the planet, there are pretty walks right here, and it’s one of many solely locations within the Sunshine State to expertise an actual winter.

30. Spot Whales in Hervey Bay

Yearly between June and October 1000’s of humpback whales migrate up and down the east coast of Australia and the protected calm waters of Hervey Bay is a favorite transit cease for them as they relaxation and play. It’s a spectacular sight!

Remember to take a look at the boat excursions leaving from Hervey Bay or Fraser Island, which put you shut to those majestic beasts of the ocean.

31. Drive the Savannah Method Drive

Tropical North Queensland is filled with surprises – it’s greater than reefs, rainforests, and seashores! And with a daughter named Savannah this street journey has all the time been on our record.

Head west from Cairns in the direction of the NT border and also you’ll soak up highlights just like the Atherton Tablelands, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge, and Boodjamulla Nationwide Park.

32. Drive 75 Mile Seaside in a 4×4, Fraser Island

Fraser Island stretches 123 kilometres lengthy and 23 kilometres vast and is among the greatest locations to go in Queensland. It’s the most important sand island on the planet and is a 4wdriving paradise.

75 Mile Seaside on the japanese facet is Fraser’s Nationwide Freeway and it’s on this drive you may spot marine life thriving in its waters, similar to dolphins and migrating whales.

Additionally, you will see wild dingoes, the island’s native residents, shipwrecks, and way more!

33. Swim in Lake Mackenzie, Fraser Island

In the course of Fraser Island is Lake Mackenzie, a lake that holds the important thing to youth – the water is alleged to maintain you youthful.

It’s crystal clear and glows iridescent blue and the white silica sand is powdery gentle and simply ready so that you can clear your jewelry and exfoliate your pores and skin. One other notable function is the heart-shaped tree.

34. Swim at Champagne Swimming pools, Fraser Island

One other common place to go to on Fraser Island is Champagne Swimming pools, situated north of Indian Head alongside 75 Mile Seaside.

These swimming pools present a extremely popular swimming gap with the ocean crashing over the rocks into shallow sandy swimming pools, with the foaming water being the place the title Champagne Swimming pools comes from.

35. Watch a Croc Present at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Dwelling to the late, nice Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is the final word wildlife journey.

Constructed across the reside croc present within the Crocoseum, you can even meet and be taught concerning the who’s who of Aussie and African wildlife.

A go to to the Koala Hospital subsequent door is one thing I like to recommend.

36. Go 4×4 Driving on Moreton Island

Moreton is sort of a mini Fraser Island, one other sand island that’s glorious for 4×4 journey driving, but it’s simply accessible simply off the coast of Brisbane.

Take your individual car or do a tour with the oldsters from Sundown Safaris like we did.

37. Go Sandboarding at Tangalooma, Moreton Island

While on Moreton Island, get amongst the sand dunes and zoom down on a sandboard reaching speeds of as much as 40km per hour!

You’ll get sand in locations you by no means thought potential, however it’s a lot enjoyable!

38. Kayak the Wrecks of Tangalooma, Moreton Island

Discover and snorkel the beautiful Tangalooma Shipwrecks on Moreton Island, and see the coral and fish surrounding the shipwreck in a novel “Clear Kayak,” it’s such as you’re floating on water!

39. Go Horse Driving on Rainbow Seaside

Rainbow Seaside has been featured on the entrance cowl of the publication “101 greatest seashores of Australia” and Huffington Publish ranked it at quantity 5 of their article of “9 of the Most Unbelievable Seashores within the World”.

However Rainbow is particular in additional methods than one, being one of many solely locations within the State the place you may go horse driving on a seaside.

40. Drive the Nice Seaside Drive, Noosa North Shore

Leaping in a four-wheel drive and taking up the Nice Seaside Drive from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Seaside confirmed there’s just one solution to do a lap of Australia – with a 4×4!

I’m calling it Australia’s greatest shortcut as a result of as a substitute of taking the M1 (Bruce Freeway) from the Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Seaside through Gympie, you are taking the prettier and faster Seaside Freeway.

41. Go Kayaking within the City of 1770

1770 Liquid Adventures is owned by a pair who completely understands what travellers are in search of in an expertise, particularly with children.

We did a guided household kayaking journey up the creek to Butterfly Seaside the place we stopped for morning tea, a play with the butterflies, and good previous bubble-busting enjoyable. 

Their sundown tour sounds superb!

42. Be Surprised By Whitehaven Seaside, Whitsunday Islands

We’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more, Whitehaven Seaside is probably the most unimaginable seaside we’ve got been to in all of Australia. In reality, it’s in all probability probably the most well-known seashores in Australia!

The pure white silica sand, the turquoise water, the Nationwide Park backdrop, the fusion of swirling colors seen from Hill Inlet lookout, and the isolation. Simply go!

43. Get Pampered on Hayman Island, The Whitsundays

Queensland makes a behavior of blowing your thoughts, and while Hayman Island has had a whole makeover and a reputation change to One&Solely since we visited, I’m positive it blows much more now! 

Hayman not solely presents you a pole place in attending to a few of the greatest locations on The Nice Barrier Reef, however it additionally presents a novel expertise of tranquillity, indulgence, and pure magnificence.

44. Catch the Dawn at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

I mentioned it earlier – Burleigh Heads is our favorite place on the Gold Coast – and one in all our favorite locations in Australia, interval!

The day begins in spectacular style with dawn, and I like to sit down on the headland with espresso in hand and watch the surfers carve up the well-known surf break. Do dawn in Burleigh!

45. Study to Surf on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast presents a few of the greatest surf breaks in Australia.

Suppose Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Kirra Level, Currumbin Alley, and Burleigh Level to call a couple of. When you’re going to be taught to surf, the Goldy caters to all ranges.

Kalyra beloved studying to surf with former World Champion Cheyne Horan Surf College.

46. Watch The Sundown at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast

We love having a sundown beer at Rainbow Bay Surf Membership, which overlooks Snapper Rocks, it’s our favourite sundown spot on the Goldy.

The views all the best way over to Surfers Paradise are beautiful, the meals is nice and low cost, and when the waves are pumping there are few locations prefer it.

Snapper Rocks is dwelling to the Rip Curl Professional Browsing occasion!

47. Stroll or Kayak at Cape Tribulation

At 110 million years previous the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest current rainforest on the planet, even pre-dating the Amazon.

Cape Tribulation – a headland situated inside Daintree Nationwide Park – sits the place two World Heritage Listed websites collide.

Surrounded by native crops and flora, you may expertise the place the Daintree Rainforest meets the Nice Barrier Reef. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

48. Hike in Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is on the southernmost finish of the Daintree Rainforest.

It’s historical, pristine, and filled with excessive vibrational power. Mossman Gorge is free to enter however you do should buy a move to catch the shuttle bus into the primary strolling space. Or you may stroll the 2km your self.

A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and an attractive swimming space.

49. Have a Blast at Dreamworld, Gold Coast

I’ve formally declared Dreamworld as one of the best theme park on the Gold Coast. And don’t simply take my phrase for it, I’ve back-up within the type of an professional – our 8-year-old daughter Kalyra!

And that’s an enormous name as a result of solely two days earlier than visiting Dreamworld Kalyra mentioned she had the Greatest. Day. Ever…at Movieworld.

Dreamworld has one thing for everybody. With over 50 rides and sights, it’s the BIGGEST theme park and it’s the one park we by no means miss out on after we return to the Goldy.

50. Hike in Carnarvon Gorge Nationwide Park

A number of readers urged we go to Carnarvon Gorge Nationwide Park.

Now that we’ve been, we will say a tropical oasis awaits and Carnarvon shall be added to our record of favorite Nationwide Parks in Australia.

This nationwide park is filled with pretty hikes, tenting spots, and night-time star-gazing talks, and is among the greatest locations in Australia to see wild Kangaroos!

51. Climb the Story Bridge

Sitting above the Brisbane River is Story Bridge which connects the CBD to Kangaroo Level.

We’ve all heard concerning the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, and the Story Bridge climb is the same expertise.

From the highest of the bridge, you may see the Glass Home Mountains within the north, throughout to Moreton Bay, and even in the direction of the Scenic Rim Mountains within the south.

Not solely do you get to see one of the best of Brisbane’s metropolis skyline, however you may channel your internal adrenaline junkie.

There are solely three bridge climbs on the planet, so don’t miss out on this thrilling factor to do in Queensland!

52. Kayak the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades are a collection of waterways and tropical wetland and swampy land that join the Northern Noosa River system to the ocean close to the Sunshine Coast.

The everglades are nestled amongst two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa and the Cooloola area of the Nice Sandy Nationwide Park. 

We determined to kayak a 16 km spherical journey from Lake Cootharaba, which took us out into the center of nowhere in a pristine pure surroundings with solely the sounds of the birds flying and the water lapping in opposition to our boat and the lily pads.

Or you may mix a brief kayaking journey with a ship tour, should you don’t fancy paddling for too lengthy.

Excursions of the Noosa Everglades to think about

Noosa Everglades Video:

See extra of this superb expertise and our time within the Noosa Hinterland in our video.

Closing Ideas on Issues to Do in Queensland

So there you’ve got it, these are one of the best issues to do in Queensland and as you may see, there’s a lot variety in what you are able to do it may be arduous to slender down the record of sights.

Whether or not you’re in search of lovely seashores, thrilling theme parks, nature spots, hikes, or locations to see wildlife in its pure dwelling, I believe we will all agree there’s loads of this and extra in Queensland.

We hope this information helped you propose your journey and we want you one of the best time exploring this sunny state in Australia!

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